Answer this question truthfully
### Question: How is the dialysis done?
### Response: Hemodialysis works by removing blood from the body and having it flow across a special filter, along with solutions. The filter helps remove toxins. The blood is then returned to the body.
Hemodialysis requires special ways to access the blood in the blood vessels. Access may be needed on a short-term (temporary) or long-term (permanent) basis.
Temporary access involves placing dialysis catheters (hollow tubes) into larger veins, usually in your neck, chest, or leg near the groin. They are most often used in emergency situations for short periods of time. However, catheters called tunneled catheters can be used for weeks or even months.
Permanent access is created by surgically joining an artery to a vein, usually in the arm. This vein becomes thickened over time. To perform the dialysis, blood is removed and returned through the vein. There are two methods to create this access:
An artery and a vein are directly connected to each other. Then, over a period of months, these blood vessels form a connection called a fistula (an arteriovenous fistula, or AVF). A man-made bridge (arteriovenous graft, or AVG) can also be used to connect the artery and vein. An AVG can be used for dialysis within several weeks. An AVF has a lower chance for infections than an AVG and usually lasts longer before it needs to be replaced.
During a hemodialysis session, one or two needles must be inserted into the fistula or graft.
It is important to stick to the diet and medicines the dialysis staff and your kidney specialist (nephrologist) prescribed.